Spring has arrived at Cumberland Lake Park and Campground on Comox Lake. Staff at Lake Park Society, a local non-profit, are preparing for another busy season of outdoor youth programming. They have a range of camps planned, with additional spaces and new programs for 2024. Lake Park Society’s Director of Education and Events, Stuart Higgs, shared that he has seen “an amazing response from the community. Many campers are returning for their third year, and new grants will help us reduce financial barriers for many families this summer”.
Youth camps are a key component of Lake Park Society’s mission to inspire wonder and connection, providing inclusive outdoor experiences to residents and visitors alike. Key programs include Scamper and Rambler Camps, suitable for 6 to 10-year-olds, which are planned for their third consecutive year. Campers will explore secret caves, craft, play and paddle huge voyageur canoes during these week-long programs. Wriggler Camp is one of the new camps offered in 2024, designed for younger participants aged 5 and 6. “By keeping our ratios low,” explained Higgs, “Wriggler Camp will be a safe and welcoming way for our youngest campers to connect with new friends while discovering the incredible forest and lake shore at Cumberland Lake Park, just like the kids in our older programs.”
Camp Kin, which supports and celebrates LGBTQIA2S+ youth, is expanding to include a second week in 2024. Lake Park Society received a significant grant from Wachaiy and Path Forward, eliminating registration fees for any participants who would otherwise be unable to attend. “Camp Kin is a highlight of our summer,” commented Higgs, “participants come from across Vancouver Island. We know that outdoor programs are not always a welcoming space for all youth. We are proud that Lake Park can celebrate our LGBTQ community through Camp Kin and are so grateful to Wachaiy for their support”.
For older campers, Lake Park Society is also offering a brand new teen program, Land-Care / Self-Care in April and May. During this five-part program, participants aged 13-15 will have the opportunity to develop practices that support their mental health, hear from inspiring community mentors, and meet like-minded peers, all while getting active and outside at Comox Lake.
Funding through Island Health for this program will cover the cost of registration during its first year. 10 to 12-year-old campers can also participate in Kingfisher Camp at the end of August. This rite of passage and mentorship program for girls and non-binary youth is returning for a second year through a partnership with the Vanocuer-based non-profit, Fire and Flower.
Registration for all of Lake Park Society’s 2024 programs are now open. Details on all the camps and how to register is available online at cumberlandlakepark.ca or by calling (250) 702-8833. In addition to these camps, Lake Park Society will continue to offer free and subsidized programs throughout the summer including kids park ranger workshops, watershed canoe tours, as well as movie and music nights. Campground, sleeping barrel and watersport rentals are also open and available for reservations. Cumberland Lake Park and Campground is located 5 km west of Cumberland on the shores of Comox Lake. The park is owned by the Village of Cumberland and is operated by Lake Park Society.
Photo by Sara Kempner
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